G.O.A.T. Rodeo, from l. to r.: Demi Puente (guitar), Adam Newman (bass), Stacy Puente (lead vocals, keys, guitar), Tom Toles (vocals, percussion), Audrey Jean (vocals, keys, violin), Reid Muoio (drums) and Jon Shapiro (lead guitar)
The government shutdown has been stressful for many federal employees, but one furloughed NTEU member got tired of feeling powerless and decided she wanted to help her colleagues. Her idea: to hold a free rock n’ roll show for furloughed federal employees.
Stacy Puente is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Attorney Adviser in Washington, D.C. But nights and weekends, this Chapter 293 member moonlights as the lead vocalist of G.O.A.T. Rodeo, self-described as “a goat-tastic extravaganza of rock and roll soundsations!”
Stuck in a cycle of refreshing her computer browser for shutdown news, Puente decided on a whim to contact the Rock & Roll Hotel, a Washington, D.C. club, and asked if they would consider allowing G.O.A.T. Rodeo and other area bands to play a show for furloughed federal employees. To Puente’s surprise, they generously agreed.
The all-ages show, called ‘Fed Up!,’ hits the stage on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Rock N’ Roll Hotel. Admission is free for federal employees with a government ID, while non-federal employees pay $15. Bands are donating all proceeds to the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA). According to Puente, the purpose of the event is to provide a supportive, positive space for feds and their friends to enjoy each others' company while enjoying some live music.
Also playing in the band that night are fellow NTEU members and SEC Attorney Advisers Jon Shapiro and Kelly Shoop.
G.O.A.T. Rodeo will play Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Rock N’ Roll Hotel (1353 H St NE., Washington, D.C.). Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Buy or reserve tickets